Knowledge Translation
Knowledge translation (KT), as defined by the Michael Smith Health Research BC, refers to activities which “aim to close the gap between research and implementation by improving the use of research evidence in practice, policy and further research.” The WHRI has a commitment and framework for supporting KT, which you can read here.
If you or your team are interested in KT supports offered by the WHRI, please reach out to Nicole.Prestley@cw.bc.ca.
CIHR – Knowledge User Engagement
What is a knowledge user? CIHR defines them “as an individual who is likely to be able to use research results to make informed decisions about health policies, programs and/or practices – this means that they “can be, but [are] not limited to, a practitioner, a policy maker, an educator, a decision maker, a health care administrator, a community leader or an individual in a health charity, patient group, private sector organization or media outlet.”
This resource further breaks down types of KT practices and types of knowledge users.
Definitions
Underpinning our work with appropriate language is critical. See the SSHRC definition of Knowledge Mobilization, the CIHR definitions of End-of-Grant, integrated-KT and Knowledge Exchange.
KT Pathways: A digital assessment and learning tool
Developed through a Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research initiative with support from academic and health system partners across BC, it is designed to help you assess your current knowledge translation strengths and areas for development, and provides tailored training materials and supports based on the results.
KT Pathways Resources
Already know what you’re looking for? Use this search tool to find resources to help you grow your knowledge translation skills.
Templates
Get started with KT planning templates either with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) – KT Planning Primer or the SickKids KT Planning Template.
UBC Knowledge Exchange Unit
The UBC Knowledge Exchange Unit builds capacity among researchers, students and staff across disciplines to develop and share impactful knowledge through connections and exchange with communities, government, not-for-profit organizations and the general public.
SFU Knowledge Mobilization
SFU Knowledge Mobilization is a university-wide strategic initiative. SFU is committed to becoming a world leader in knowledge mobilization, building on a strong foundation of fundamental and applied research. From discovery to knowledge mobilization, SFU’s eight faculties are engaged in the full spectrum of research, building on a robust tradition of interdisciplinary investigation and collaboration. SFU’s commitment to engagement informs how we disseminate knowledge, and how we contribute to citizenship in local communities across Canada and around the world.
Michael Smith Health Research BC – KT Collaborative
The KT Collaborative is a community of practice made up of KT scientists and practitioners from around the province who meet every six weeks to share with and learn from each other for the purpose of advancing and accelerating KT across BC. If you are interested in joining the collaborative, email us at kt@healthresearchbc.ca.
Podcasts
Technology in Human Services (TiHS) Podcast, Episode 41 with Dr. David Phipps – on Knowledge Mobilization. This podcast has many pearls for KT folks including the importance of agility in doing KT/KMb, co-production of knowledge, how we value knowledge, and Community Based Research.
Wonks and War Rooms, Season 5, Episode 1: Knowledge Mobilization for Policy Impact with Dr. Petra Molnar. This podcast discusses the paradigm shift of valuing co-produced knowledge, the importance of qualitative research methods in KT and partnership engagement.
Check out our own @WomensResearch Podcast, which has covered KT topics ranging from arts-based KT, patient-oriented research methods, social media for KT, and advancing gender equity.
Webinars
Michael Smith Health Research BC hosts regular webinars called KT Connects, which offer capacity building through lessons learned from others in health research.
Michael Smith Health Research BC offers annual Convening and Collaborating and Reach award competitions.
The University of British Columbia offers community engagement grants and has a comprehensive list of community funding sources.
Several of the the Canadian Institutes of Health Research are offering Planning and Dissemination Grants, including the Institute of Cancer Research, the Institute of Gender and Health, and the Institute of Health Services and Policy Research. See ResearchNet for the full list.
The Vancouver Foundation offers two scales of Participatory Action Research Grants, which include Convene and Investigate options.